Arjun (he/him)
Arjun is a South Asian international student managing stress, academic pressure, and burnout.He struggles to ask for help due to cultural expectations around strength and self-reliance.
Overview
Arjun has grown up with strong messages about resilience, independence, and emotional control. While he experiences stress and burnout, seeking help can feel like admitting failure. He often tries to cope alone until pressure builds too high.
How You Seek Help
- Tries to manage stress independently at first
- Looks for anonymous or low-pressure options
- May only seek help when symptoms escalate
What Gets in the Way
- Cultural stigma around male mental health
- Fear of appearing weak or incapable
- Difficulty recognising when support is needed
Culture & Reality
Family, Face & Cultural Expectations
Success and self-reliance are deeply ingrained. Discussing mental health openly feels unfamiliar and risky.
Cost Anxiety & Financial Trade-offs
Concerned about long-term costs of therapy. Prefers free or low-cost options through OSHC.
OSHC & System Navigation
Unclear about mental health entitlements. Unsure how many sessions are covered or how to access them.
Situations
Sexual Health & Intimacy
Less likely to prioritise sexual health unless symptoms are obvious.
Mental Health & Stress
Experiences stress, burnout, and sleep disruption. Often normalises distress instead of addressing it.
Urgent vs Non-Urgent Care
May wait until crisis point before seeking help.
Safety, Crisis Signals & Support
Warning signs include isolation and emotional shutdown. Anonymous, low-pressure entry points are most effective.
What Helps
What Actually Helps
- Normalising help-seeking
- Clear explanations of options
- Low-barrier entry points (online, anonymous)
Your Support Pathway
- Self-assessment
- Anonymous info
- Low-pressure support
- Trust-building
- Deeper care